Grilled Chipotle Chicken
This Grilled Chipotle Chicken recipe is simple, healthy, and has a delicious sweet and savory flavor. A perfect recipe for meal prepping that can be ready in less than 30 minutes with these step-by-step instructions!
These grilled chicken thighs are marinated in a delicious sweet and smoky sauce to create an amazing flavor combination. This recipe is a high protein, low calorie chicken thigh recipe that combines well with numerous side dishes.
This is a great meal prepping recipe. You can easily prepare this recipe ahead of time. Then store in the refrigerator for a few days or up to 3 months in the freezer. This recipe provides 4 servings, but if you’re prepping for several meals or cooking for a larger gathering you can easily double the ingredient amounts. Even better, this recipe will only take you about 25 minutes to prepare!
What you’ll love about this Grilled Chipotle Chicken recipe:
Recipe Ingredients
Here’s a quick overview of what you’ll need for this recipe. For exact measurements, keep scrolling down to the printable recipe card below.
- Chicken thighs (boneless/skinless): Chicken thighs stay juicy and are less likely to overcook than chicken breasts. You can use other cuts of meat (including bone-in cuts) but the cooking time may need to be adjusted.
- Avocado oil: any neutral oil will work but we love the flavor of avocado oil with this recipe
- Chipotle chilies: Helps create the delicious chipotle flavor
- Adobo sauce: This sauce provides a smoky and mildly spicy flavor. Adobo sauce is the sauce canned chipotles come in.
- Honey: An essential ingredient to really create the perfect flavor
- Spices: garlic powder, chili powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt
- Lime: Use for the lime zest and juice
How to Make Grilled Chipotle Chicken
This recipe only requires a few simple steps . Here is a quick step-by-step guide to walk you through this grilled chicken recipe.
Marinate the chicken
Add all the marinade ingredients to a shallow bowl or ziplock bag and stir to combine. Next, add the chicken and marinate for 4-8 hours in the refrigerator.
Grill the chicken
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and place it on the grill. Cook chicken for 10 minutes, then flip and grill another 5 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through to 165 degrees. Remove the chicken from the grill and allow to rest for about 5 minutes. Then slice and serve!
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Reheating Instructions
Thighs are the juiciest cut of chicken so we love being able to reheat them without drying them out. Here are some tips for not drying out the chicken as it warms up:
- Oven – Place the chicken in a baking dish. Then add about 1 teaspoon of water per thigh. Cover with foil or a tight lid, then reheat at 350 degrees. Warming time will depend on the number of thighs you’re reheating at once. If you don’t have a baking dish, wrap your chicken thighs in foil and reheat.
- Stove – Add just enough water to a skillet that it barely covers the bottom. Then add the chicken thighs. Simmer on low, gently and occasionally stirring or flipping to evenly reheat all pieces.
- Microwave – Reheat at 50% power in 45-second increments. Using full power will likely overcook some spots while leaving other spots cold. Adding a teaspoon of water per thigh to the plate will help further ensure the chicken is moist.
- Air Fryer –Our preferred reheating method for ease and effectiveness! Preheat air fryer to 350 degrees F for 2-3 minutes. Then add chicken thighs. Make sure they are not touching, then spray with oil. Reheat for about 2-3 minutes or until your desired level.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator Storage: After allowing to cool completely, place leftover chicken in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezer Storage: You can freeze this recipe for up to 3 months in a freezer safe container. Allow to cool completely prior to putting in the freezer.
Tips
- For the best flavor and texture, make sure to take the time to marinate the chicken. Marinade doesn’t just add flavor to your meat. It also tenderizes it. Your meat will be more tender if you can marinate it for several hours. However, you do not want to marinate meat for more than 24 hours. For this recipe, we recommend 4-8 hours.
- Try this Huevos Rancheros recipe with any left over chipotle chilies.
What to Serve With Grilled Chipotle Chicken
- Three Cheese Biscuits– Each low carb biscuit is loaded with sharp cheddar, mozzarella and fresh basil for just 2 net carbs each!
- Grilled Portobello Mushrooms– Stuffed with bacon and cheese for the perfect grilled side dish.
- Cheesy Bacon Wrapped Asparagus– A rich, meaty side dish packed with 2 kinds of cheese. It only takes 30 minutes to make the perfect keto side dish.
- Brussels Sprouts with Bacon– Made in one pan and perfect for entertaining! This easy vegetable side dish is low carb and keto-friendly!
- Green Beans Almondine– A classic side dish that goes perfectly with most entrees! Tender green beans are tossed in a rich butter sauce and toasted almonds.
Grilled Chipotle Chicken FAQ
Yes, this recipe is gluten free if prepared as described.
Absolutely. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or 3 months in the freezer. See more detailed information on storage above.
The “heat” level of this recipe is mild to moderate.
No, but we highly recommend it for the best flavor and texture of the meat.
Yes, however, this will affect cooking time.
Grilled Chipotle Chicken
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs chicken thighs boneless/skinless
- ¼ cup avocado oil
- 2 canned chipotle chilies chopped
- 2 tbsp adobo sauce from the can of chipotles
- 1 tbsp honey (sugar free maple syrup if keto)
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 ½ tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- Zest and juice from 1 lime
Instructions
- Add all the marinade ingredients to a shallow bowl or ziplock bag and stir to combine.
- Add the chicken and marinate for 4-8 hours in the fridge.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and place it on the grill. Cook chicken for 10 minutes, then flip and grill another 5 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through to 165 degrees. Remove the chicken from the grill and allow to rest for about 5 minutes.
- Slice and serve!
Notes
- Marinating is not totally required but it yields much more flavorful chicken!
- Store the leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Use on the burrito bowls, tacos, taco salad, in burritos, or just eat it with a side of Mexican rice or refried beans.
